Download the 2002 Annual report here - Focus Ireland

The Spokes Programme Opens
In February 2002, the Drugs Task
Force provided funding to establish a
pilot ‘Preparation for Work’ programme
to offer homeless young people the
opportunity to gain qualifications and
practical skills to enable them to gain
employment. Based in the Extension
and accredited by the Further
Education and Awards Council,
courses are offered in Maths, English
and Communication, Computer
Literacy, preparation for work as well
as an introduction to kayaking and
outdoor pursuits.
Spokes is a different kind of
‘classroom’, allowing participants to
use the programme at whatever level
they are ready for. Young people can
drop into the Spokes room to use
the computer, job search, surf the
net or simply have a chat. This
informal approach is designed to
encourage people to use the
facilities and allows them build
confidence to participate more fully.
When a client is ready staff discuss
their needs with them and working
together they develop a customised
plan. This can include completing a
FETAC module at their own pace in
the Spokes programme, or linking
them to appropriate courses within
the community. During 2002 a
number of participants attended
Colaiste Ide in Finglas to study and
gain a European Computer Driving
License. This provided the added
benefit of allowing them experience
the environs of a third level college,
building their confidence and
providing a positive experience of
formal education.
A further element of Spokes comes via
the ESB Core Programme, which
provides funding for courses for
individual young people appropriate to
their particular needs. These include
fork-lift driving courses, computer
skills, driving lessons etc. Business in
the Community has also been a
valuable support, with some Spokes
participants gaining employment
places with Marks & Spencer as part
of their involvement.
Spokes started as a small programme
and was attended by 25 participants
in 2002. The agency has recognised
its potential and hopes to continue
and grow the programme after the
pilot is completed.
European Funding Provides
Computer Access for Young People
This programme assists young
customers develop their skills was
established in 2002 as part of Project
Hermes, a European Programme
whose aim is to introduce Information
Communication Technology (ICT) to
marginalised groups. The programme
was launched by Focus Ireland in
March along with projects in Denmark,
Holland and the UK. Computers,
training and internet access were
provided to customers using our Loft,
Extension and Outreach services. It is
hoped that this programme will
empower socially excluded groups
through the use of information
techology. Participants will have an
opportunity in 2003 to discuss their
experiences at a conference of all
participating countries.
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